Video: Popular Galway woman was gifted dancer who was key to annual Indian festival

SAVITA Halappanavar was instrumental in organising the annual Diwali celebrations in Galway for many years. The young woman loved to celebrate the event and made sure that the Indian community in the West did so in style.

Each year she would organise and choreograph special dances for the celebrations, often starring in them herself with her husband Praveen.

Indians living in Galway recalled Savita (31) as one of the most gifted dancers they had even encountered.

“She was the best dancer we had ever set our eyes on. Everybody loved to watch her dance,” said Asheitosh Waidande, a member of the Indian Community Group in Galway.

The couple were over the moon at the idea of becoming parents, according to friends. However, that didn't stop Savita from helping organise the Diwali celebrations which had been planned for this week.

“She wasn't planning on dancing this year because of the baby but she had put together the whole dance for others. She had been out collecting and calling on all the community making sure they would all come along,” added Mr Waidande.

After her tragic death, the celebrations have been cancelled as a mark of respect.